Optical Probe Wavefront Modulator for Extended Focal Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical probes for cardiovascular and digestive disease diagnosis face challenges in achieving optimal lateral resolution and focal depth, with existing methods like axicon lenses and GRIN fibers experiencing limitations in manufacturing complexity and sensitivity, and post-processing methods struggling with real-time processing and noise distortions.
Innovation Solution
An optical probe design featuring a wavefront modulator with multiple annular regions, where the diameter sizes and height differences between these regions are optimized to adjust resolution and focal depth, allowing for both forward and circumferential scanning, and manufactured using methods like replica molding for ease and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If an axicon lens is used to generate a Bessel beam, then the focal depth is extended, but the optical attenuation increases making it difficult to use for high-sensitivity measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The wavefront modulator is divided into multiple annular regions (first, second, and third annular regions) with different height differences from the reference plane. This segmentation allows different portions of the wavefront to be modulated differently, creating a structured light field that extends focal depth while maintaining optical intensity through constructive interference at the focus.
Solution Approach 2:
Each annular region of the wavefront modulator has a specific height difference (first, second, and third height differences) tailored to its radial position. This local variation in phase modulation optimizes the light field distribution, extending the focal depth while maintaining sufficient optical intensity for high-sensitivity measurements in biological tissues.
2Length of stationary object
If GRIN fibers with smaller core sizes are used as phase filters, then the focal depth is extended, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to strict length requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wavefront modulation function from the complex GRIN fiber structure and implements it through a separate wavefront modulator component with annular regions. This decoupling simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for precise GRIN fiber length control while achieving the same focal depth extension through phase modulation of the Gaussian beam.
3Length of stationary object
If software algorithms are used for post-processing, then the focal depth can be extended, but the computational complexity increases making real-time processing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wavefront modulator performs preliminary phase modulation of the light beam before it enters the sample, shaping the beam profile to achieve extended focal depth directly in the optical domain. This eliminates the need for complex post-processing software algorithms, enabling real-time imaging without high computational complexity while maintaining extended depth of focus.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances lateral resolution and extends the measurement region along the depth direction, enabling precise diagnosis of lesions and improved imaging capabilities for cardiovascular and digestive diseases, while simplifying manufacturing and reducing noise artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
a wavefront modulator (500) connected to the other end of the lens (400) and configured to modulate a wavefront of light entered into the optical fiber (100), wherein the wavefront modulator (500) includes a first annular region (510), a second annular region (520) radially separated from the first annular region (510), and a third annular region (530) arranged between the first annular region (510) and the second annular region (520)
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3a
Figure 3b~4
AI summary
An optical probe, according to one embodiment, comprises: an optical fiber into which light for irradiating an object is incident from a light source; a lens which focuses the light incident into the optical fiber; and a wavefront modulator on which a pattern is formed so that the wavefront of the light incident into the optical fiber can be modulated, wherein the optical fiber, the lens, and the wavefront modulator are arranged on the same axis, the light passing through the wavefront modulator can form a focus on the same axis, and the resolution or focal depth of the light can be adjusted through a pattern design formed on the wavefront modulator.